NURTURING the skills of young people is paying dividends for an accountants.
Ken Sharkey has seen his firm grow after taking on staff through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. Providing training opportunities has won him an Investor in People award.
He said: "I wanted to draw from the best young people in our local community and encourage them to take up the opportunities for work-based learning that are offered through Modern Apprenticeships."
He set up the practice in Stanley in 1992 and it has grown from just himself and a secretary to a staff of ten.
The firm's trainees are chosen from the Durham Business Club for classroom and office based training, funded by the Learning and Skills Council County Durham. Three staff are currently training.
Michelle Jefferson, 18, joined Ken Sharkey more than a year ago after a short spell working at McDonalds to help to support her through AS levels.
She said: "It is a really good way to learn. I have developed skills in team working, communications and IT and health and safety."
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